Staten Island Coast Guard unit makes 2 rescue calls to same tanker

View full sizePhoto by Coast Guard Station New YorkCoast Guard and local emergency responders help a 60-year-old man who reportedly suffered from symptoms of a heart attack while aboard the motor tanker Aztec in the waters off Staten Island Tuesday, May 15.

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Coast Guard emergency crews made two separate rescue visits to the same tanker at Stapleton Anchorage in New York Harbor Tuesday.

In the first incident, crew members of the tanker Aztec asked the Coast Guard for medical help at 11:28 a.m. for a 60-year-old man who was suffering from symptoms of a heart attack.

With an emergency medical technician onboard, a Coast Guard rescue crew from Station New York, evacuated the man to emergency personnel waiting on Staten Island.

Shortly after that call, the Aztec again radioed the Coast Guard; this time, seeking help for a 58-year-old-man reportedly suffering from seizure symptoms. The same rescue crew returned to the Aztec and transported the man to Staten Island.

Both ailing men were taken to Staten Island University Hospital.

"It was unusual to have two medevacs from the same vessel," said Lt. Cmdr. Jason C. Aleksak, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Station New York, in a statement to the media. "Fortunately we were able to provide the attention both patients needed and get them to further medical care."